Biochemistry technicians provide technical assistance in researching, analysing and testing the reactions caused by chemicals in living organisms. They use laboratory equipment to help develop or improve chemical-based products and also collect and analyse data for experiments, compile reports and maintain laboratory stock.
Biochemistry technicians typically need a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field, such as physical science or natural resources. Positions are sometimes open to candidates who have less education than a bachelor’s degree but have laboratory experience.
ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:
the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.
Biochemistry technician is a Skill level 3 occupation.
These occupations require some skills and knowledge of biochemistry technician. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of biochemistry technician with a significant experience and/or extensive training.
This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of biochemistry technician.
Biological chemistry: Biological chemistry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
Laboratory equipment: The tools and equipment used by scientists and other scientific professionals in a laboratory.
Genetics: The study of heredity, genes and variations in living organisms. Genetic science seeks to understand the process of trait inheritance from parents to offspring and the structure and behaviour of genes in living beings.
Biotechnology: The technology that uses, modifies or harnesses biological systems, organisms and cellular components to develop new technologies and products for specific uses.
Laboratory techniques: Techniques applied in the different fields of natural science in order to obtain experimental data such as gravimetric analysis, gas chromatography, electronic or thermic methods.
Biology: Tissues, cells, and functions of plant and animal organisms and their interdependencies and interactions with each other and the environment.
Scientific research methodology: The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.
These skills are necessary for the role of biochemistry technician.
Perform laboratory tests: Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
Maintain laboratory equipment: Clean laboratory glassware and other equipment after use and inspect it for damage or corrosion in order to ensure its proper functioning.
Perform scientific research: Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
Apply safety procedures in laboratory: Make sure that laboratory equipment is used in a safe manner and the handling of samples and specimens is correct. Work to ensure the validity of results obtained in research.
Use laboratory equipment: Make correct use of laboratory equipment when working in a laboratory.
Apply scientific methods: Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
Calibrate laboratory equipment: Calibrate laboratory equipment by comparing between measurements: one of known magnitude or correctness, made with a trusted device and a second measurement from another piece of laboratory equipment. Make the measurements in as similar a way as possible.
Write technical reports: Compose technical customer reports understandable for people without technical background.
This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of biochemistry technician. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Microbiology-bacteriology: Microbiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
Analytical chemistry: Instruments and methods used to separate, identify and quantify matter – the chemical components of natural and artificial materials and solutions.
Pharmacology: Pharmacology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
Virology: The structure, characteristics, evolution and interactions of viruses and the diseases they cause.
Clinical cytology: The science of the formation, structure, and function of cells.
Communicable diseases: Communicable diseases is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
Evolutionary biology: The study of evolutionary processes from which the diversity of Earth’s life forms originated. Evolutionary biology is a subdiscipline of biology and studies Earth’s life forms from the origin of life to the dawn of new species.
Toxicology: The negative effects of chemicals on living organisms, their dose and exposure.
Endocrinology: Endocrinology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
Hazardous waste storage: The regulations and procedures surrounding the safekeeping of materials and substances which pose health and safety risks.
These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of biochemistry technician. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Maintain database: Maintain a freelance database that offers extra support to your teams and is able to calculate negotiating costs.
Write research proposals: Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant subject and field of study.
Analyse cell cultures: Analyse cell cultures grown from tissue samples, performing also screening of the cervical smear to detect fertility issues.
Keep task records: Organise and classify records of prepared reports and correspondence related to the performed work and progress records of tasks.
Perform chemical experiments: Perform chemical experiments with the aim of testing various products and substances in order to draw conclusions in terms of product viability and replicability.
Analyse blood samples: Analyse blood samples using computer-aided and manual techniques, looking for white or red blood cell abnormalities and other risk factors.
Prepare visual data: Prepare charts and graphs in order to present data in a visual manner.
Label samples: Label raw material/ product samples for laboratory checks, according to implemented quality system.
Preserve samples: Preserve collected and labelled samples of raw materials and other food products. Preserve samples applying chemical or physical methods.
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